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Healthy Turkey Meatball Skillet – Easy 30-Minute Dinner

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A quick and healthy one-pan dinner featuring tender turkey meatballs simmered in marinara sauce with wilted spinach. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93/7 lean)
  • 1 yellow onion (half grated, half thinly sliced)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
  • 3 cups baby spinach
  • Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
  • Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Grate the onion. Using the large holes of a box grater, grate half of the yellow onion into a small bowl. You should have about 2 to 3 tablespoons of grated onion and its juices. Set aside. Thinly slice the remaining half of the onion.
  2. Make the meatballs. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated onion (with its juices), minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  3. Form the meatballs. Roll the mixture into 12 to 14 small meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or cutting board.
  4. Sear the meatballs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the meatballs in a single layer. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Transfer to a clean plate using a slotted spoon.
  5. Sauté the onion. Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onion to the same skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Simmer the sauce. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine with the onion. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Return the meatballs. Place the seared meatballs back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
  8. Add the spinach. Uncover the skillet and add the baby spinach. Gently stir until the spinach wilts into the sauce, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  9. Finish and serve. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, if using. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Notes

For the juiciest meatballs, use 93/7 ground turkey. Grated onion adds moisture without breadcrumbs. Don’t skip the sear—it builds flavor. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 165°F. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatball skillet, healthy turkey meatballs, 30-minute dinner, one-pan meal, easy weeknight dinner, ground turkey recipe, low-carb dinner

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